Long-Term Care Survey Alert

Do you know when to don a mask--or when the resident should?

Does the resident have suspected or confirmed influenza? In addition to standard precautions, healthcare workers should implement droplet precautions, as follows:

• Place resident into a private room. If a private room is not available, place (cohort) suspected influenza residents with other residents suspected of having influenza; cohort confirmed influenza residents with other residents confirmed to have influenza.

• Wear a surgical or procedure mask upon entering the resident's room or when working within three feet of the resident. Remove the mask when leaving the resident's room and dispose of the mask in a waste container.

• If resident movement or transport is necessary, have the resident wear a surgical or procedure mask, if possible.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention